Roll Call Tribute

Malcolm E. Hickman, Jr., DVM 

April 18, 1939 - November 6, 2024 

Malcolm E. Hickman, Jr., DVM transitioned peacefully into eternal life on November 6, 2024 after a largely unacknowledged battle with cancer in Hana, Hawaii. Born in Lynn County, Texas, on April 18, 1939, to Malcolm Earl Hickman, Sr. and Lilla Effie Gray Hickman, he was their only son.

From a young age, Malcom learned the value of hard work on the farm, the thrill of mischief, and the joy of experiencing the unconditional love of animals. A pivotal moment in his childhood occurred during a family July 4th celebration when his beloved dog was bitten by a rattlesnake. Desperate to save his dog, he begged his parents to call the local vet but money was tight, and death seemed certain. This experience inspired him to pursue a career as a veterinarian, culminating in his graduation from Texas A&M Veterinary School of Medicine in 1963.

After working in veterinary clinics in Lubbock, Texas and Memphis, Tennessee, he founded the Hoof and Paw Animal Clinic in Cross Plains, Tennessee in the 1970s. He specialized in small and large animals, ensuring that quality care was accessible to all, regardless of their pet parents’ financial means. His patience with each patient was legendary, as he was never in a rush even when the waiting room was standing room only.

Malcolm met his soulmate, Jane, after a difficult divorce. Their whirlwind four-month courtship led to an elopement on Easter Sunday, April 19, 1981. Those who knew Jane and Malcolm attest that their love story was rare and magical. Maybe they had one or two disagreements in 43 years, but they never went to bed angry, and rarely were seen apart. He cherished her deeply, referring to her affectionately as “Baby.”

It was this deep love for his Baby that led to his unacknowledged cancer. Despite the grapefruit sized lump on his neck, he refused to go to the doctor for fear of being separated from Jane. That’s love and some will argue stubbornness. If stubbornness was an Olympic Sport, he would surely have a house full of gold medals.

After over 20 years of practice in Cross Plains, they sold the clinic and moved to beautiful Hana, Hawaii in 1998, to begin a semiretirement and build their dream home. There, he diligently studied for the Hawaii State Boards of Veterinary Medicine, passing on this first attempt at the age of 60. He founded the Hanabelle Animal Clinic, much to the delight of the Hana community, providing essential veterinary care without the need to make the two-hour hair-raising drive to the ‘other side.’ He continued to practice until shortly before his passing, often joking he wanted to die “with a needle in one hand and a scalpel in the other.”

Beyond veterinary practice, Malcolm had a natural gift for music, effortlessly playing the piano by ear, guitar, and harmonica. He also enjoyed painting as a hobbyist watercolor artist. Proud of his craftsmanship, he laid every tile in their Hana home and restored two classic Model-A's. Known as Mr. Fix-It when he got around to it, he was never bored, never met a stranger, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Malcom will be remembered as a humble, good-hearted, compassionate, hard-working, gentle giant who loved God, embraced challenges, and was a masterful storyteller (the Aggie stories were the best). He was always positive, laughing, and never complaining. For now, he leaves behind his wife, Jane Hickman (Hana, Hawaii), son, John Hickman (Nashville, Tennessee), step-daughters Melissa Greer (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Wellentina Greer (Ashland, Massachusetts), sisters Lora Mae West Hunnicutt (Levelland, Texas), Dorothy Coffey (Apachee Junction, Arizona) and Viriginia Moyer (Friona, Texas), several nephews, and two properties bursting at the seams with stuff (hoarding was his favorite sport).

Malcom will be cremated immediately and interred in Tennessee when Jane is able to join him. The family wishes to acknowledge the Hana community for their love and support, especially Carl and Linda Ebrus for their special friendship and going above and beyond to support them, Maui Hospice, and the Maui Church of Christ for being with him in the end.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to call your parents and tell them you love them while you can (better yet, visit), forgive someone who has wronged you, perform a random act of kindness, or visit someone alone in a hospital or nursing home, as no one should die alone. And remember to get your pets spayed or neutered.